Best BCD: Top Rated and Reviewed Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensators
Choosing the best bcd isn't easy. There are lots of scuba diving buoyancy compensators out there and what works best for you depends alot on personal preferences and/or budget.
Do you want a weight integrated buoyancy compensator? Do you want a jacket style or wing style BC? What price can you afford? Do you need a travel bcd or one made especially for females?
Of course, we all know there is no "one fits all". Nevertheless, I have chosen what I consider to be the best scuba diving BCD's at various price points - entry level or budget, mid range and high end - as well as ones specifically for women and the more technical divers.
To this end, I have read many ratings and reviews of various scuba diving BC's. I have only chosen those models which have received many top reviews from lots of different users. If it has universal good marks, chances are you will be happy with it too.
I have updated this list as of November 2011. Some top rated BC's from last year's picks fell off the list while a few still made the cut. I will be updating this list about every 6 months or so, so you can rest assured you are getting the best bcd available right now. So if you are planning on doing some diving in 2012 and need a bc, this list is for you.
Here are my updated picks of the best scuba BCD's - from entry level to midrange to top of the line to female specific (recommendations will open in a new window on our partner's website).
Note: To decide which category the top BC's would go into, I based it on price. So the beginner/entry level is defined as buoyancy compensators under $300, the mid-range is priced between $300-$500 while the high end best BCD category are those BC's priced over $500.
To jump to the category you are interested in, just click on the link:
Our first two picks for the best high end bc are both Zeagle models. This manufacturer routinely gets high marks for its products.
First up is a Zeagle model. It gets great reviews from lots of divers. This model has heavy duty construction and is a weight integrated BC. The standard bladder that comes with the BC has a 44 lb. lift capacity. However, it is a very versatile model and is compatible with a variety of other bladders and accessories.
The Zeagle Ranger model also has 2 zippered utility pockets, 4 stainless D-rings on shoulder and 2 on the vest, a 36 lb. capacity ripcord weight system with a 20 lb. capacity rear trim weight system.
It is a bit different than many other BC's in that it has rear flotation. If you haven't used a rear flotation BC before, it may take a dive or two to get used to its action on the surface (basically you have to lean back more).
Some of the reviews from users include:
"After years of renting BC's and struggling with buoyancy, my wife bought me this BC for my birthday. It is the best BC I have ever dove with. Fantastic buoyancy, enough d-rings to strap everything to, 4 different ways to dump air (primary valve, pull on the primary valve hose, and 1 valve at the bottom of each wing), cool weight release system, and great construction."
"This is the best BCD I have owned. I have never had one fit so well. The integrated weight system is nice and the ability to add weights to the back makes this a perfect set up."
"I have 5 BCD's From Tec Harness's to Sidemounts Harness's to regular single tank back mount gas! I love this BCD it is very comfortable, well layed out, built well/rugged and not to mention- Zeagle's lifetime warranty!!! This is in my opinion the best BCD made!"
Check out all the details of this top rated scuba bcd - the Zeagle model here.
Choice #2:
Our second pick for best bcd in the top end category is a Zeagle Stiletto model. This model made the top list last year also and it continues to perform well, getting more good reviews.
This also gets the nod as the best travel BC. This is one of Zeagle's more lightweight models and Zeagle calls it its most rugged travel BC. (See "Best BCD For Travel" section below for another pick for travel BC's).
However, based on all the great reviews, it still lives up to Zeagle's reputation for high-quality BC's. It has 30 lb. capacity ripcord weight system and a 20 lb. capacity rear mount weight system, a 35 lb. lift capacity and 5 stainless D-rings, among other features.
Reviews include:
"I wanted a streamlined BC and the Zeagle Stiletto was exactly what I was looking for. It is sturdy and well made, adjustable to fit most any shape and easy to pack. Based on a review I bought the additional utility pocket and that was wise. I went by the sizing chart and the first BC sent fit until I inserted the lumbar support, which I do recommend, but allow about 3-4 inches if you do. [...]"
"I have upgraded fins and regulator based on the hype without seeing any great difference in performance. The Stiletto has been the exception. The balance and buoyancy control was excellent, and made my whole dive more comfortable and relaxed. Compact and great for travelling. My only qualms are with the ripcord - looks like it should be too flimsy to hold. But I guess Zeagle have done all their testing. Overall a great BCD."
"This is a streamlined version of Ranger BCD . I love it for travel and the 35 lbs of lift is not really a compromise for how much smaller and lighter it is than my tech . After using Zeagle BCD you probably would never go back to another."
Get all the details on this best bcd choice - the Zeagle Stiletto hereZeagle Stiletto model here.
Choice #3: Our third pick for best top end scuba BCD is a Sherwood model.
It gets high marks for being comfortable, easily adjustable and durable. This is a jacket style BC and has a 3D air cell that wraps around the body for improved stability. The design is also meant to promote air cell movement in order to eliminate squeeze. It has 6 stainless E rings and four air release valves.
Reviews include:
"I've used it for about 10 dives now and love it!...No issues, very durable design, love the metal D-rings - I always get nervous with plastic rings! The dual tank straps are awesome as well and allow for much more rigid control on your back (plus serves as a back-up in case one of the straps comes undone). I would buy this BC again!"
"I bought this item after reading the many positive reviews on it and I found that I agreed with the other reviewers on all counts. It was easy to pack, easy to use and overall an excellent product. The integrated weight pockets in front and back made it very easy to get optimal buoyancy control and I loved the additional safety of the dual tank strap."
Two recommendations I made last year for best bcd in the mid-range category are still are on top. More reviews are in and they both still get high marks.
The first recommendation for best bcd in the mid-range category is an Oceanic model.
It is a jacket-style, weight-integrated BCD that has rear trim pockets (this is one feature that I will be having on my next BC). Features include quick-release weight-integrated system, stainless steel D-rings and padded lumbar support.
This Oceanic model get high marks for comfort, durability, lots of features and ease of adjustment. As we all know, the ability to quickly adjust your buoyancy is a critical feature in a BC. Some of the reviews from LP users include:
"I use the products on Lake diving and retrieval of sunken property. I also have used it on a Caribbean Aggressor fleet trip. Both are two very different climates and the Oceanic Probe LX proved itself time and time again. Very good product! I would always recommend this to my friends and fellow diving colleagues."
"I researched hundreds of BC's for days on tens of websites looking for the best one. This piece of equipment has it all. Sweeping reviews, durability, storage capacity, lots of velcro back ups on all the weight pockets. Has room to stuff the kitchen sink in one pocket. I can dive for shark teeth without all my accessories ( screens, trough, camera, etc ) hanging all over the place. Material is bulletproof. Dries fast. Very comfortable for a big BC. Sizing is a little large though but not a problem. No tank slips yet with many many beach dives in tough surf. Very smooth adjusting on buoyancy control and holds you perfectly upright on the surface and flat as a pancake over a reef or wreck. I expect to be able to enjoy this Rolls Royce for at least 20 yrs. Pop the extra money for the backup reg/ inflator from Oceanic. Well worth the money. I guarantee you will enjoy this "high end" BC."
"An excellent BC. Very durable and has D-Rings galore to grow with. I love the various pockets on the BC and for a Jacket Style it is very clean in the water. This is my third BC in eleven years and will be with me for a long time!"
Read all the details and reviews of this best bcd choice - the Oceanic model here.
Choice #2: Staying on top for best bcd for another year is a Mares BCD.
Users gave it high marks for ease of adjustment, comfortable, durability and number of features. The bladder design reduces drag with a significant portion of the air cell around the tank. Lift (for a size large) is 41.7 lbs
Reviews of this buoyancy compensator from LP users include:
"This is by far the most comfortable bcd even when fully inflated! I don't feel squeezed at all! The MRS worked although I was quite worried that it'll fall off. The slight downside is that this is not really suitable for travelling because it's quite heavy but really comfortable!"
"I am very happy with the purchase of this BC. It is very functional and comfortable. The weight system is very easy to load and ditch. Good storage pockets, S/S D Rings and comfortable back padding."
"Great BC at a great price. Mares holds up to its reputation with this one. Very durable without sacrificing comfort. If you aren't strapped for money, upgrade to the airtrim."
Choice #3: Our last pick for best bcd in the mid-range category is another Oceanic model here.
The air bladder on this model is in the back so you only have the harness straps and weight pockets on the front of the BC, giving you ease of movement. The weight system is integrated on this model and it also has 2 5 lb. weight pouches in the rear to help with your alignment underwater.
User reviews include:
"Just a great BCD. I love the back inflate as it makes it easy to keep a level profile while swimming. The integrated weights dump quickly and easy."
"First let me say that I was a bit skeptical when I first thought of getting this BC. Now, I'd be very skeptical to switch back to a jacket style. I was an avid SeaTec Original Manta BC user for many years. Do not get me wrong, I thought the Manta was a great BC too. But if you want comfort, ease of movement, along with the weight integration; then this BC is for you. I've been diving this BC for going on 3 years, and as long as you take care of it, it looks the same as the day I bought it."
"Im an advance diver and have taken this baby in many dives. It is extremely confortable, durable. I successfully navigated through a swarm of thousands of jelly fishes pass 100 feet with no problem while hunting grouper, so if u are looking to be streamlined and non bulky this is perfect. Best back inflation BC out there in my humble opinion."
Read more about this top rated scuba BC in mid-range category Oceanic BC here.
Best BCD: Beginner or Entry Level
Even if you don't want to shell out alot of money on a buoyancy compensator you can still find some nice BC's that do a perfectly fine job.
Our first choice for best bcd in this category is a Cressi model. It makes this category as it is currently on sale for $230 (list price is $390).
This BC has 2 ditchable weight pockets. (Note: The weight capacity is 20 lbs. so if you need more, this is not the model for you unless you wear a weight belt). The model has 3 relief valves and 4 D-rings (2 stainless, 2 plastic).
User reviews include:
"For the price you cannot beat this BCD. I think this is a great product. It fits well, has tons of storage for weights, and works great."
"Awesome BCD for the price. No frills, not many features, but it works as well as units many times its price that I have used before. Also I like the quick release weight pockets."
"Great BC for the money -- easy to adjust and the weight pockets allow partial or complete integration -- either way useful. First saw it in a dive shop rental rack and all the other vest brands were getting complaints but this one. Good fit for large sizes."
Read all the details on this best bcd choice - the Cressi BCD here.
Choice #2: Our next choice for best bcd in the budget category is making a return appearance from last year. This Tusa model continues to garner high ratings from a broad range of users.
This Tusa model buoyancy compensator gets very high marks for comfort, ease of adjustment, durability and features. You get alot for your money including great performance.
Some of the reviews of this best bcd choice include:
"This BC is a great value for the money. The nylon seems like it could deflect a bullet, the LP inflator is rock solid and the weights system works beautifully! It will definitely last quite a while. There are tons of d-rings (5 large steel, 2 large plastic, and 2 small plastic) placed throughout the BC, AND it included a LP inflator hose, safety whistle, a 2 hose clip, and a detachable clip for consoles. As for anyone concerned about the 1 tank strap, as was I, it's not going anywhere. I have used this BC on 10 dives so far and no tank roll whatsoever."
"Perfect BC. Comfortable, fits like a glove, definitely made to last. The weight integrated pockets are the best I've ever used, your weights aren't going anywhere. I've used bcs' where the pockets continuously fall out only to hang by a strap by the time you find out. All my expectations of this bc were blown out the water. This bc is great from beginners to advanced divers. I just recently got back from a very cold dive where I bottomed out at 85ft, and it worked without a flaw."
"Not much to say...after 600+ immersions with it, I'm buying a new one."
"So happy with it, comfortable and easy to adjust and just a great allround BC. Workmanship is great and easy to use!!"
Choice #3: Our last pick for best bcd in the entry level/budget category is a Mares model.
This is a back inflation buoyancy compensator and has a removable double crotch strap to stop that BC from riding up. This BC is weight integrated and has 45 lbs. of lift. It gets high marks from many users for comfort, ease of adjustment and durability.
User reviews on this model include:
"Dove 16 times with this BC with a 3 mil wetsuit and found it comfortable and easy to adjust. Integrated weight system is easy to use, did not shift and seemed secure in the pockets. The back inflated bladder is quite large but does allow for a great open feel in the chest area."
"This BCD is very easy to wear, very streamlined and stable. Buoyancy control is great. I used it the first time is Roatan in July and was delighted with it, I've been diving for 28 years and this is my first back inflation BCD, will never use anything else. Less is better under water and this configuration makes you feel free of clutter. It feels like you're not using a BCD at all."
Women have special "considerations" that can make purchasing a BC a bit more complicated. There are BC's now made especially for females that are designed for a more comfortable fit. If you have tried more "male oriented" BC's and weren't happy with them, you might want to give these highly rated BC's for women a try.
Our first pick as the best bcd for females is a Mares model. This is a weight integrated system and has superior back support according to reviews.
Women who have tried this BC give it 2 thumbs up. Reviews include:
"Easy to adjust, comfortable around the waist, chest and back. Nice fit. Side pockets a bit too small but a lot of clips. Overall good product."
"I was first reluctant buying online as at the end of the day it's about the fit, but based on previous recommendations I did order it, and I absolutely love it. [...] The BCD is very comfortable, and it fits me like a glove, doesn't move around and once used to integrated weights system it is just so much better than anything else I'd tried before. It has a lot of pockets and rings which I was looking for, as I carry a lot to clip there..."
"This BC is extremely comfortable. Air is evenly distributed so you don't even feel your tank is there! I usually get a sore back after a week of diving, but this BC is pain-free. It's easy to adjust, and is nice and simple but also very functional-lots of D-rings and clips. Dries quickly, nice cozy fleece lining for skin diving. Only con is small pocket size..."
Choice #2: Another good bet for a buoyancy compensator for a woman would be this Genesis model. It is less expensive than our first option as it is currently on sale for only $290 (regular price is $310 and the list price is $520). A great price point for a best bcd choice.
This is a jacket style BC with most of the air bladder in the rear. It is weight integrated and has quick release pulls. The BC also comes with an adjustable and removable sternum strap to get more of a custom fit
Reviews of this female buoyancy compensator include:
"Even though, I am a ScubaPro enthusiast, I got this Genesis BCD for my daughter who is a well developed 14 year old. She did 25 dives with this BCD on live aboard in Hawaii without any issues. BCD has an excellent fit and easy to adjust. Her buoyancy was much improved from previous dives. BCD was very comfortable and she loved it. It feels like it is well constructed from durable materials. BCD got stolen (fortunately after the scuba trip) and I did not hesitate to replace it right away with the same product while it was still on sale. The price was very good for the quality."
"I use it in my trip to Phillippines, I did 25 dives and it works perfect, the buoyancy its better, very confortable, not so heavy and nice design. Nice BCD at an affordable price."
"I purchased the Genesis Sirene Womans BCD for my wife, she is relatively new to diving but has tried several brands of BCDs, she loves her Genesis Sirene, it is comfortable, light and allows her to feel very comfortable in the water. She would highly recommend the Genesis Sirene ML."
As we discussed above, one of our picks for best travel BC is this Zeagle Stiletto model.
Another good bet for best bcd for traveling is a Cressi model.
Cressi did the research on the best materials to use for minimum weight but yet be very durable. According the reviews, they have succeeded. One reviewer after stating how much he liked the BC said it packs to the size of a shoebox. It has a retractable strap to packing it easier and comes with a storage bag.
User reviews include:
"This is a great BCD! It is light, folds up to travel and fits in a backpack, Plenty of D-Rings everywhere. The only Con (and it is not that bad)I can think of are the smaller sized pockets."
"I originally purchased this BCD for travel use. Taking advantage of the lightweight features of the BC allowing me to bring in my carry on (which you can). But I've been using this BC locally at home for everyday dives, and find more than capable to be used as such. This isn't just a "travel BCD" this is a great option for everyday use. I strongly recommend the Travel Lite."
"Best scuba gear I've ever bought! I use it for 20 days and then buy another one for my father! It's just perfect for your dive trips, it is really lightweight and with this BC you can pack 2 complete gear sets in a regular gear bag! Very quick drying!"
I hope our picks for best BCD have helped you make a decision on which scuba bc to buy. If you have tried any of these buoyancy compensators, why don't you let us know what you think? You can share your experience and you may even win a prize for your review. Give it a shot and good luck! Get more details and share your story here.
Looking for more scuba diving equipment? Check out our other picks for best scuba gear.We give you our picks for best dive computer, dive watches, regulators, masks, snorkels and more.
